Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Best Package - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jsherm - July 2 - 2:00 am

  For under $35k you will not find a better performance car for the money. I challenge anyone to find a car that will do sub 5.5 sec 0-60 for this price. There are many cars out there that will do this for $70k or $125k, but not $33k. Some complain about the torque on the car, but honestly, if the car does 0-60 in 5.5sec, there is enough torque there, whether the number is high or not is not the issue. Some people do not get it, you can have a car with extreme torque that takes 7 seconds to get to 60mph.

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  2002 Honda CRV-EX - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By hondacrv - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for eleven months and have experienced only one problem, the tires. The stock tires are cheap junk. Other than that this is an excellent vehicle for hauling passengers in roomy comfort. The CRV handles well (better tires would help), is comfortable, and the 2.4 liter engine is torquey and accelerates with the best. The transmission can be hard to get into gear when downshifting from second to first or when upshifting the same two gears. The transmission needs some improvement to make shifting smoother.

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  Three Car Seats - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By SUVNOMORE - July 2 - 2:00 am

  No more back aches. Loading three into car seats in an SUV was not fun, but with our Odessey, we look forward to getting out of the house. Great attention to detail and fun to drive. Quiet on the road and handles bumps exceptionally well.

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  Seats to die from - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By linuxrlz - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I love the quality and solid feel of the car. The stereo sounds great. The seats are to die from. I am 55 and have owned many cars and a truck and these are by far the most uncomfortable seats I have ever had the displeasure to sit in. There is no place to put my feet, so they are usually skewed under the brake pedal or some other uncomfortable place. The front wheel well protrudes into the drivers and passengers compartment area. There is plenty of room otherwise and it looks big inside. The dealer treated me with kid gloves and the salesman even came out to my house to pick me up from my house to drive me to the dealership.

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  Good Vehicle-but not everthing you think - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Taunton02780 - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I was anxious to get my CRV-EX (dark blue 5-speed). Had many dealer installed options put in (dealer may not budge on sticker but you can neg on the options). Good all around vehicle and very dependable and lots of room inside for people and cargo (more than youd think). However, gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired (not close to window sticker) and its kind of dismal in the snow (Im used to 4WD not AWD). Ive got 22,000 mls so far (just under a year) and I might get rid of it soon (get something better in the snow - my Saab did better in the snow with just FWD)!

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  Engine & Road Noise and Vibration - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bwang - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Odyssey has powerful engine. But the engine and road noise is unacceptable. When I bought this LX model, it even came with the poor tires, Bridgestone. When drived above 70mph, the steering wheel is vibrating. I took it to the dealer, and they cannot feel anything wrong. The vehicle is also vibrating while cold start while the speed is lower to 1000rpm, it is not normal. The brake also produced noise while cold start. The noise level is high and make me embarrassed. Borrowed a 03 Dodge minivan from my friend and test drive, I was really suprised the low noise level inside. This Dodge minivan is not high end and even less features than Odyssey.

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  Not like the old days! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Katherine - July 1 - 8:36 pm

  I have a 2001 Honda Accord V6. Love it. So I bought a 2017 Accord V6. Pick-up is not as good; seems to have more play in the steering (I might need to get more used to it); steering wheel is uncomfortable: hard, not comfortable positioning for hands for some weird reason; BLACK dashboard! WHY??? When that sun hits it, the heat jumps back in your face! The radio/sound system is not nearly as good as 15 years ago. I am disappointed and doubt I will keep this car 15 years. If I could get all my money back, I would. Glad I still have the 2001!

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  Best Car Ever - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By mchae - July 1 - 7:09 pm

  I love my CR-V and am considering getting a new one. It has been 100% reliable and the best car Ive ever owned even after 165k miles.

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  Honda CRV- Most dependable & Comfortable - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By donna - July 1 - 6:05 pm

  I love my Honda CRV. I have driven two types of vehicles my entire life. The Honda is and always has been the most comfortable, safest, dependable.

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  Quick Steering - 2007 Honda Civic
  By PMG - July 1 - 12:16 pm

  The Civic has very quick steering and at highway speeds you need to concentrate. It hanles very well is comfortable, peppy, and good gas mileage, 27 city. Compared it to a Mazda3, but the mileage, styling and dash sold me. I do not regret it at all. A bit too much road and wind noise. My other car is a BMW 5 series, and I prefer the Honda. This is my 4th Honda since my 1986 Accord. The new civic is exactly the same size.